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Tag: Clerics

  • Scholars seek moral strategy to tackle insecurity

    Scholars seek moral strategy to tackle insecurity

    Scholars, clerics and academics have called for an embrace of Sufism as a moral and spiritual tool to address insecurity and social decay, stressing that inner reformation of individuals is key to building a peaceful society.

    They spoke at the maiden Sufi Conference of Al-Munirat Arabic and Islamic Academy, with theme: “Sufism: A Spiritual Blueprint for Peace-Building and Security in Nigeria.”

    Convener, Dr Sulaiman Algamawi, said the theme was was to draw government attention to the need for non-military approaches to insecurity.

    “Beyond conventional methods of fighting insecurity, there is another tool with the capacity to restore peace in Nigeria, which is Sufism or Tasawwuf. Through Sufi training and ethics, insecurity can be reduced,”he said

    He said the event is the first of intellectual engagements at correcting misconceptions about Sufism and repositioning it as a force for moral transformation and national stability.

    “This is the maiden edition, and our plan is to hold it annually to bring together intellectuals. We can call this a national conference … In the next two years, we intend to make it international,”Algamawi said

    He explained that Sufism goes beyond prayers, chanting or Qur’anic recitation saying its true essence lies in ethical training and moral discipline drawn from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

    “The ethics and implications of these spiritual practices are meant to shape the individual into someone who can make positive changes in society. When character is reformed, insecurity can be curbed, from personal behaviour, extending to the immediate environment and beyond,”he said.

    Algamawi added that the academy organises Ramadan lectures, symposiums and counselling for students, particularly Arabic learners, to instil in them a sense of responsibility.

    He appealed to individuals and organisations willing to support the initiative financially to partner the organisers.

    Chair of the occasion, Dr. Saheed Timehin, a lecturer of Foreign Languages at Lagos State University, described Sufism as the inner dimension of Islamic principles.

    “Sufism focuses on purification of the soul and ethical conduct. In reality, Sufi ethics are not different from standard Islamic ethics as taught by the Prophet. If properly practised, it transforms the soul, helping to re-orient society,”he said.

    Timehin identified ignorance as the root of controversies surrounding Sufism, urging Sufi scholars to be more visible in the media and public space.

    “When teachings remain confined to zawiyas, people misunderstand them, “Sufis must popularise their teachings. That is why I recommend that papers presented in Arabic should be translated into English so more people can benefit,” he said.

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    Dr Abubakar Salaty, a lecturer in Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, University of Ilorin emphasised that genuine Sufism is firmly rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

    “All Sufi scholars abide by the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah “The Qur’an describes Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as the best of character, and decay of character leads directly to decay in society,” he said.

    Salaty urged Islamic scholars, especially those in the Sufi tradition, to ensure their teachings align with Islamic sources, stressing that moral reform must begin from the home.

    “Charity begins at home. Parents must train their children before they step out into society,” he said. “If values are not taught at home, society will teach them in another way.”

    He further highlighted patience, hard work and lawful means of livelihood as core Islamic values, warning against the pursuit of quick wealth.

    “Nothing good comes easy,” Salaty said. “Islam teaches dignity of labour and entrepreneurship. Even the Prophet worked with his hands. Moral decay and the desire for quick money are among the roots of our societal problems.”

    Dignitaries present were;Shaykh Bisiriyyu, Chairman league of Imams, Agboyi Ketu LCDA;Shaykh Ismail Balogun, Chairman league of Imams Ikosi Isheri LCDA;Shaykh Abdullah Mustafa, Chairman Tijaniyyah in Lagos State; Shaykh Abdulwahid Zakawi, Khalifah Khulafah, Ikeja Division;Shaykh Suleiman Alfulani, Mudir,Markaz Dari Salam Kwara state; Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Bube Salary, Lecturer Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, University of Ilorin; Dr. Saheed Olurotimi Timehin, a lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages, Lagos State University; Khalifa Ismail Ibrahim Kajola, Chief Missioner League of imam and Alfas, Kosofe Local Governments.

  • Elections: Clerics urge youths to shun violence

    Youths have been urged to shun violence before, during and after the 2019 general election.

    Most Rev. Obafemi Adeleye, who gave the advice yesterday while addressing reporters in Yaba, Lagos, ahead of his enthronement as the first Archbishop of the newly-created Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland tomorrow, said youths should not allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous politicians to foment trouble, in order not to disrupt the elections.

    He said: “We should allow peace to reign in the country. Election is not a do or die affair. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should ensure a free and fair poll devoid of controversies. It should improve on its performance in 2015.

    “In Methodist Church Nigeria, we empower our youths to dissuade them from crimes and reduce the rate of unemployment in our society.”

    The cleric said Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland was carved out of Lagos Archdiocese to further boost evangelism and spread the good news, adding that creating the new archdiocese was normal and indicated progress and development in the work of God.

    According to him, in the last five years, not fewer than six of such archdioceses had been created.

    “Besides my enthronement on Saturday by the Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Kanu Uche, the respected man of God will also inaugurate Archdiocese of Lagos Mainland and present the Lay President of the archdiocese, Sir Benjamin Oshadiya,” he said.

    Rev. Adeleye said other officers of the archdiocese would be dedicated at the event.

     

     

  • 2019: 50, 000 clerics, others to pray for Sanwo-Olu

    50,000 prophets drawn from all the Local Government Areas in Lagos State, and across the nation’s six geo-political zones are to converge in Lagos early January as participants in an inter-denominational prayer session organised for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

    The National Co-ordinator, Pastors For Integrity, an inter-denominational prayer group, Bishop Kayode Williams, and the group’s Chairperson, Justice [Mrs] Oluseun Shogbola [rtd], said the prayers are going to be  a followed up to the revelation members of the group received while  on a spiritual retreat at Ikoyi Prayer Mountain in Osun State on Boxing Day.

    ”As ministers of God, members of our group are not politicians, but men of God. We support the quest for good governance. This special prayers for Sanwo-Olu was divinely   inspired. We were given spiritual marching order to pray for him so that Lagos state will continue to excel. Pastors and prophets from other geo-political zones in the country are joining those of us that are Lagos -based because they told us that they believe in Lagos success story, and that they want Lagos State to continue to  be a leading state.

    “Apart from praying for him, we are also praying for the success of the party that is fielding him because that is the party that God has used to transform Lagos State to become what it is today, a role model for other states in the country. The planning committee for the special prayers under the leadership of  Elder Shopitan, a retired  CBN Deputy Director, will soon announce the venue of the event,” Williams and Shogbola declared in the statement.

     

  • Okowa urges clerics to demand credible polls

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has urged clerics to clamour for a credible 2019 general election.

    He said credible elections would attract foreign direct investment and boost our image among democratic nations.

    Okowa  spoke yesterday when he received the executive committee of the Delta State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Asaba.

    According to the governor, “the Church should pray for our country Nigeria and the state; the Church should make its position known that we can have free and fair elections in Nigeria because, if we have credible elections, the comity of nations will have respect for us in the country and there will be direct foreign investment and the resource base of the country will develop.”

    Read also: 2019: Okowa advocates alternative source of funding for INEC

    Apostle Okorete earlier thanked Okowa for developing all parts of the state, saying the visit was to introduce the executive to the governor.

    He said “we appreciate you for the development projects going on in different parts of the state; we appreciate the security apparatus you have put in place to reduce kidnapping and crime in the state; your peaceful disposition has also quelled communal violence in the state.”

  • Clerics, laity appraise national issues at Synod

    The state of the church and the state of the nation dominated discussions at the first session of the 7th Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Ekiti West, held in the ancient town of Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State.

    Anglican clerics, including bishops, their wives, traditional rulers, politicians, civil servants, community leaders and members of the laity held a four-day gathering to deliberate on the way forward for the nation and the church.

    It was the first Synod to be presided over by the Bishop of Diocese of Ekiti West, the Rt. Rev. Rufus Victor Ajileye Adepoju, since he assumed office on June 27, last year.

    The event was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Idagba, Efon Alaaye, which was a beehive of activities throughout the period the synod lasted. The sanctuary wore a new look as it was beautifully decorated for the event.

    The diocese’s Women and Girls’ Organisation led by the bishop’s wife and their President, Mrs. Christiana Tolulope Adepoju, added colour to the occasion.

    The diocesan legal officers led by the Chancellor, Justice Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde, who were all clad in their robes, were also present.

    The synod was well constituted in accordance with the constitution of the Diocese of Ekiti West (as amended).

    The synod featured sermons, group discussions, choir ministrations, Bible study, launch of diocesan projects and goodwill messages, among others.

    Invited bishops, both serving and retired, who attended the synod, included the Rt. Rev. Olajide Abimbola Adebayo, Bishop of Igbomina West, who preached the sermon at the opening service; the Rt. Rev. Cornelius Adagbada, Bishop of Oke Ogun who celebrated at the opening Eucharist Service; the Rt. Rev. Titus Olayinka, Bishop of Ogbomoso Diocese, who handled the talks and the Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde, Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, who preached at the closing service.

    Traditional rulers in attendance included the Alaaye of Efon Kingdom, Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oniropora of Iropora, Alara of Aramoko Kingdom, Oluroye of Iroko-Ekiti and Eesalokuno of Ilukuno-Ekiti.

    The theme of the Synod was “Be Ye Steadfast” which was taken from First Corinthians chapter 15 verse 58.

    The Diocesan Bishop and Synod President, the Rt. Rev. Adepoju, acknowledged the support of the clergy and laity since his ascension and reeled off achievements recorded to the delight of the gathering.

    He advised members of the diocese to be more committed to evangelism, soul winning and faithfulness to the Anglican liturgical doctrines which he described as “very dynamic, spiritual and unique.”

    Delivering the Bishop’s Charge, Adepoju condemned many unwholesome practices which have crept into the church and Christians’ involvement, noting that God frowns at such practices which have no basis in the Bible.

    He lamented that the worship of God and church activities have been turned to social gatherings while those he referred to as “fake pastors” are taking advantage of the situation to wreak havocs on the body of Christ.

    Adepoju said: “It is obvious that the world today is diluted and polluted with a lot of religious heresies which are obstructing Christians of today from standing firm for the true gospel.

    “There are a lot of things that are militating against Christians nowadays and making them to doubt God as if the God of our fathers has changed whereas it is their unbelief and doubt that are causing a lot of them to go to mountains, valleys, watersides, occult groups and even to the extent of backsliding to paganism.

    “Some fake pastors are taking advantage of these to establish their heretical churches to perpetrate evils which include sucking of women’s breasts for ‘divine healing’ from cancer and deliverance from demonic oppression.

    “Miracle kiss in which a pastor kisses ladies for ‘healing’ and ‘deliverance’ and bringing female underwear for ‘prayer’ and ‘protection.’

    “The worship of God and church activities have been turned to social gatherings and pastors are also building their tabernacles out of this ungodly meeting.

    “These include performing ‘suya night,’ which they claim to have been gotten from Exodus Chapter 12, ‘koboko night,’ in which they instruct their members to come with whips to punish the devil.

    “Another one is ‘Holy Ghost cutlass’ in which members come with cutlasses which they purportedly use to cut witches and wizards.

    “Another ill of the pulpit in some churches is the invitation of comedians to perform at crusades and church services.

    “Some men of God do not preach unless they are carried by men throughout the sermon. Some preach with alcohol in one hand and the Bible in the other.

    “The place of worship that is expected to be a place of reverence, awe and feeling of amazement of God is now turned to a place of jamboree and boisterous celebration and parties. Unfortunately, many Christians are rushing to these places and neglecting the place where God resides on daily basis.”

  • Clerics urged to promote positive image of Islam

    Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria has called on Muslim clerics to apply their knowledge in activities that would sustain the positive image of Islam and shun materialism which is likely to prevent them from adhering to the tenet of Islam.

    The President of Ansar-ud-deen College Isolo Old Students Association, RTD AVM, S.O Smith said the holy month of Ramadan is for spiritual purification and blessings from Allah.

    “This is a period for us to increase our worship, faith, and piety as revealed in the Holy Quran and practiced by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

    He said the theme of the lecture was carefully chosen to educate Muslims on the moral principles and behaviour of Muslims in the society.

    “The time of Ramadan is to reflect on the past year, repent from our wrong doings and draw closer to Almighty Allah” he said.

    The guest speaker and Chief Imam of Nawar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, Dr. Nurain Taiwo Dindi, said the role of Nigerian clerics in sustaining positive image of Islam transcends from spiritual to temporal in the form of economic, political, social and even personal issues.

    “As Muslims, we are bound to fashion our lives in line with teachings of Islam. It is also the fundamental responsibility of Islamic scholars to protect the religion from corruption, defend it from aggression and protect its sanctity and purity,” he said.

    He urged Islamic scholars to also serve as protectors of justice and uphold it; protect and support the weak in the face of aggression.

    Dindi noted that sustaining positive image of Islam should not be seen as the responsibility of the clerics alone but the collective responsibility of all Muslims.

    According to him, the major role of scholars includes updating knowledge of Islam through teaching; reminding the Muslims of their obligation to Allah and humanity through preaching and participating in the government of the day by monitoring and counselling the government, even if not consulted.

    Nothing that majority of scholars are not painting Islam in a positive light through their method of preaching which focuses on wealth, fame and worldly position, he said many scholars can go to any length to get rich quickly; acquire properties by any means; and secure political benefit in a most ignominious manner.

    These categories of the scholars, he said, are described in the Holy Quran as ‘some who wrong their own souls’.

  • NOA to clerics: refrain from provocative sermons

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has advised clerics to refrain from provocative sermons during the ongoing Ramadan.

    Its Director of Mobilisation in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Mrs Comfort Ajiboye, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  in Omu-Aran yesterday.

    Ajibade described the clerics as representatives of God on earth, saying they ought to “strive to be shining examples in both in words and deeds.’’

    She reminded the clerics that religious teachings during the Ramadan should be targeted at promoting national development.

    According to her, teachings should also be targeted at ensuring cordial and harmonious relationship among the people.

    “We should be united rather than be divided in our quest to achieve a developed statehood. Anything contrary will jeopardise the government’s efforts toward ensuring even distribution of the dividends of democracy to Nigerians,” she said.

    Ajibade called on Muslims to reflect on the significance of the period and pray for peace, unity and progress.

    “With ceaseless and fervent prayers during this month of Ramadan, by God’s grace, our security and socio-economic challenges will be over,” she said

    The NOA boss urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of   tolerance and peaceful co-existence to ensure the sustenance of the nation’s democratic system.

    Ajibade also appealed to traders, especially food stuff vendors, not to latch on the Ramadan period by increasing the prices of their commodities.

  • Ramadan: Alaafin urges clerics to be moderate

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has advocated the need for Clerics and other preachers to keep their sermons within the realm of moderation and modesty. In his Ramadan message, Oba Adeyemi pointed out that all religious communities must understand that there is no alternative to inter-faith dialogue, as there can never be a universal religion or an exclusive society for adherents of a particular religion.

    While calling on Muslims in the country to see the period of Ramadan as abstinence from sins and all acts inimical to peace and development in the country, Oba Adeyemi counseled all religious communities to educate their leaders or preachers on the need for religious harmony and the toleration of other faiths.

    He admonished Nigerians not to perceive religious diversity as a barrier to human relations and development, but rather a tool or resource for national development. The royal father noted that religious faithfuls in the country should, therefore, realise the fact that religious tolerance and harmony are both legally sanctioned and socially inevitable, as the world can never be composed of one religion or culture.

    ‘’This desirable scenario of religious harmony can be achieved in Nigeria only through the establishment and sustenance of a neo-religious educational praxis that would generate a culture and orientation of multi-religiosity in our children and youth, as well as a commensurate programme of re-orientation of the adult population. Hitherto, the dominant model of religious education in Nigeria has been faith-oriented and overwhelmed by religious indoctrination and dogma.”

     

  • CAC to fight indiscipline among clerics, members

    The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has pledged to fight indiscipline among its clerics and members.

    This followed the effects of false prophesies on the church and their consequences on people’s lives.

    The church’s General Evangelist Worldwide, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, said this was part of efforts to flush out fake prophets and eliminate false prophecies to restore people’s confidence in the church.

    The cleric said the church would henceforth constantly monitor prophets within the mission to ensure their compliance with the patriarchs’ standards.

    Oladeji spoke at the weekend at Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola Memorial Grounds at Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State during his inauguration as CAC General Evangelist Worldwide and Duty Commencement Service.

    The church leader advised members to cooperate with CAC clerics to reawaken evangelism, which he called the hallmark of the church.

    Oladeji was appointed the fifth CAC General Evangelist five months ago, following the retirement of his predecessor, Prophet Samuel Abiara.

    CAC President, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, who presided over the event which was graced by clerics from various denominations, Christians, traditional rulers and crème-la-crème of society, extolled the virtues of the new general evangelist, who he said had taken giant strides to move the church forward within the few weeks of assumption of office.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki lauded the appointment of Oladeji, who he described as a preacher of righteousness and a reformer.

    He added: “It is a new dawn.”

    Saraki, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Gbenga Makanjuola, said the new CAC General Evangelist “is trustworthy, God-fearing and humble,” adding: “With this new responsibility, I pray that the Lord gives him the spirit and anointing to carry on.”

     

    Akeredolu, Dogara, others excited by CAC’s unification

    Eminent Nigerians at the weekend converged on Joseph Ayo Babalola Memorial Camp at Ikeji-Arakeji in Osun State for the inauguration/duty commencement service of Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji as the New General Evangelist of CAC (Worldwide).

    At the impressive ceremony, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Ekiti State Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Akin Olujimi (SAN), among others, attended the event.

    Oladeji, 51, from Odo-Owa in Kwara State, succeeded Prophet Kayode Abiara, an indigene of Erin-Ijesa in Osun State.

    Akeredolu expressed delight about the moves by CAC leadership to settle their aged-long dispute to embrace unity.

    As one of the lawyers who handled the church’s litigation alongside Olujimi, the governor recalled the past acrimony and rejoiced with CAC leadership and members for the new development, especially the enviable heights attained by Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), which he said was founded with good vision.

    Akeredolu described Oladeji as a “great Evangelist” who would use his position to win many souls and enhance unity within the CAC’s fold.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Biodun Adeogun, representing Ife Federal Constituency, hailed Oladeji’s elevation as General Evangelist.

    The speaker said he was ready to support evangelism and unity within the church.

    Olusola, who is also a Pastor in the church, said the story of the humble beginning of the new General Evangelist would rekindle an end-time revival of unity as the helmsman is a “young man” with greater testimony.

    He said: “This is the era of youths. It had never happened in the history of CAC for a 51 year-old to become its General Evangelist.”

    CAC President Abraham Akinosun congratulated Oladeji and urged him to re-invigorate evangelism across the world.

    According to him, grassroots evangelism has suffered, mostly in the hands of mass media revivals.

    He said: “Church ministry is a battleground. You should imitate greater evangelists, be exemplary and remain an embodiment of spiritual reality.”

     

  • Clerics pray for Nigeria

    Clergymen in Lagos State will on May 1 gather inside the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, to fast and pray for Nigeria’s restoration.

    The event tagged Nigeria’s Glory to Glory Ministers’ Conference with the theme: ‘Restore’, is organised by the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, in conjunction with Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos State chapter.

    It will start from 9am.

    The presiding pastor of

    the ministries, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said: “Besides the sins and iniquities of the land, which stink before the throne of God, there is a raging battle for the soul of Nigeria.

    “The time has come for the church to rise and say: ‘Restore’. If done in humility and repentance before God, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, the heaven will intervene and our nation and its people shall be restored. This is the reason for this call, to rescue a great nation with a great destiny.”